Sparky_NY
09-10-2007, 09:28 AM
New poster here but long time reader. I have the cnc bug and looking for input from those experienced.
I have a bridgeport 2j variable speed machine, with old heidenhain DRO. I am happy with the machine BUT would sure like cnc for those times a part has curves and so forth. I am a hobby/garage user and most parts fit in the palm of my hand. I have read up on the mini mill conversions and that would work nicely for my purposes but I just yesterday had a new idea and want opinions before I start ordering parts.
What if..... I took a x-y base/table from a mini mill, added ballscrews, servos, a PC controller with turbocnc or similar and bolted that table up on the bridgeport table when cnc was needed? I wouldn't have 2 mills, would have the bridgeport stiffness, the bridgeport head and tooling, yet have cnc capability for small parts. When not needed, just unbolt the table and put the kurt vise back on. Its not the greatest but would sure beat the heck out of all that setting up and time with a rotary table with much more capability for a really cheap price tag. Converting the bridgeport would be expensive and far more than really needed.
Initially no cnc control for the z axis, but would get electronics with 4 axis capability so that could be added down the road.
I have a itchy trigger finger and am about to start gathering parts. I have a line on a mini mill xy table, cast iron, with gibs, new, 85lbs, about 11x5 with 9x4 travel, I would like more but that may be hard to find, especially considering this table is about $100 new.
Ok, so give me your opinions.
I have a bridgeport 2j variable speed machine, with old heidenhain DRO. I am happy with the machine BUT would sure like cnc for those times a part has curves and so forth. I am a hobby/garage user and most parts fit in the palm of my hand. I have read up on the mini mill conversions and that would work nicely for my purposes but I just yesterday had a new idea and want opinions before I start ordering parts.
What if..... I took a x-y base/table from a mini mill, added ballscrews, servos, a PC controller with turbocnc or similar and bolted that table up on the bridgeport table when cnc was needed? I wouldn't have 2 mills, would have the bridgeport stiffness, the bridgeport head and tooling, yet have cnc capability for small parts. When not needed, just unbolt the table and put the kurt vise back on. Its not the greatest but would sure beat the heck out of all that setting up and time with a rotary table with much more capability for a really cheap price tag. Converting the bridgeport would be expensive and far more than really needed.
Initially no cnc control for the z axis, but would get electronics with 4 axis capability so that could be added down the road.
I have a itchy trigger finger and am about to start gathering parts. I have a line on a mini mill xy table, cast iron, with gibs, new, 85lbs, about 11x5 with 9x4 travel, I would like more but that may be hard to find, especially considering this table is about $100 new.
Ok, so give me your opinions.